This afternoon’s floor session began with the adoption of Senate Resolution 46 which honored and affirmed sister-state relationship between West Virginia and Taiwan Province, Republic of China.

The Senate also passed 30 bills. Among those bills was Senate Bill 437. The bill would relate generally to substance abuse. It would address the regulation of opioid treatment programs in West Virginia. The bill would also update rules for opioid treatment program facilities to require clinical guidelines, recovery models, education and training requirements for treatment facility staff and treatment limitations and requirements.

Another bill that passed is Senate Bill 490, which would make trademark counterfeiting a crime. The bill would establish the elements of the crime, the different degrees of violation and penalties.

Senate Bill 608 also passed. The bill would authorize search warrant for blood draw for driving under the influence of a controlled substance or substances or a combination of a controlled substance or alcohol substances.

There were also three bills read for a second time. One of the bills is Senate Bill 135, which would consider military training, experience and education toward professional or occupational licensure qualifications.

The following committees will meet tomorrow:Energy, Industry and Mining 9 A.M. - 208W

The Senate is adjourned until 11 A.M.

Wednesday, February 29, 2012 - 01:20 PM

House Adopts Homestead Exemption Amendment

Today marks the 50th day of the 80th regular session. This day has been labeled "cross-over day," which means today is the last day legislators can consider bills or joint resolutions on third reading in the house of origin, excluding the budget bill and supplementary appropriation bills. Legislators endured a lengthy floor session discussing and debating a total of 35 bills read on third reading during the morning session.

House Joint Resolution 113, which involves the "Homestead Exemption Increase Amendment," was adopted unanimously today in the House. This resolution would extend homestead exemption to a surviving spouse who is under 65 years of age and not totally disabled under certain circumstances after the death of the qualifying spouse. The resolution would also allow each county the option to increase the homestead exemption from $20,000 to an amount of no more than 50 percent of the average residential property value. The House also read and passed Senate Bill 221 on third reading. This bill, also known as the Jason Flatt Act of 2012, would require routine suicide prevention training for all teachers and principals.

The House continued its passage of bills on third reading during session this afternoon following a recess. Of those passed, House Bill 4251 would permit the restructuring of child support payments for inmates who are released, and House Bill 4626 would increase the amount of state police principal supervisors.

The House also suspended the constitutional rule requiring that House Bill 4396be read three separate days and voted for the passage of the bill during today's session. House Bill 4396 would authorize death benefits to the surviving spouse of law enforcement officers.

Five bill were advanced to second reading as well.

The House is in recess until 5:30 p.m.

Update: The House met once more today for the passage of three bills on third reading. House Bill 3157 would add another family court judge to the twenty-third family court district, House Bill 4549 would impose a monetary penalty on unemployment compensation recipients for obtaining benefits through the use of fraudulent statements, and House Bill 4613 would further develop the state's broadband internet reach and capabilities in remote areas.

Several Delegates including the Speaker of the House were moved to speak in favor of the bill regarding mine safety during the floor session this morning. After many heartfelt remarks, House Bill 4351 passed unanimously. The mine safety bill would allow miners to submit anonymous tips about safety issues, require that ventilation plans be submitted, and allow families to be part of the interview process should another mining disaster occur among other things.

There were also 13 other bills passed during this morning's session. Among those was House Bill 4475, which encourages recent graduates to remain in West Virginia by reducing the federal adjusted gross income, and House Bill 4392, which involves the equal compensation of state magistrates, magistrate assistants, and magistrate county clerks.

During this afternoon's floor session, the House advanced 61 bills to third reading with few amendments. Included in those advanced was the Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 221, which relates to the Jason Flatt Act, and House Bill 4310, which would prohibit sex offenders from living within 1,000 feet of a school, child care facility, or playground.

The House passed several bills on 3rd reading today with one bill in particular considerable debate. House Bill 4486 passed and is in relation to the disclosure of insurance coverage.

Additional bills passed on the floor include House Bill 4583, which deals with the termination and resignation deadlines of school personnel, and House Bill 4322, which would add coyote and fox to the list of species to be permissible to hunt at night with artificial light. There were also three others bills passed which were House Bill 2278, House Bill 4236, and House Bill 4424.

The following committees will meet today:Health and Human Resources- 4 p.m.- 215E

The House is in recess until 2 P.M.

Update:

Following this morning's floor session, the House met in the afternoon to complete legislation on House Bill 4493 and advance many others. With the signature of Governor Tomblin, House Bill 4493 will establish memorial days for certain military veterans.

Twelve bills advance to 3rd reading including House Bill 4645, which involves changing the membership requirements for a board of governors, and House Bill 4257, which would allow opportunities for late voter registration for citizens overseas.

In today's floor session, the Senate passed 13 bills and read 45 for a second time. One of the bills that was passed is Senate Bill 386, which would clarify entities included in waters-edge group for net income tax. The bill would provide clarification of the entities to be included in a water’s-edge group for corporation net income tax purposes.

Another bill that was passed is Senate Bill 572, which would replace the term "advanced nurse practitioner" with "advanced registered nurse." It would provide a new definition, make technical corrections, and provide a grandfather clause that would permit the West Virginia Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses to set an application fee.

One bill that was read for a second time is Senate Bill 576. This bill would change the school personnel termination, resignation, retirement and rehiring deadlines.

UPDATE: The Senate met after a recess to take up committee reports and read 15 bills for the first time. One bill that was read for the first time was Senate Bill 51, which would provide that adultery is a bar to receiving alimony in a divorce proceeding. It also allows an adjustment to be made if a party learns of adultery after entry of divorce decree. Other bills included Senate Bill 149 , Senate Bill 153 , Senate Bill 342 and Senate Bill 362.

The Senate completed legislative action on House Bill 4415, which would renovate and put to use the railroad station at Prince to accommodate Boy Scouts as the travel to visit the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve. Legislative action was also completed on House Bill 4087 and House Bill 4493.

Members of the House were treated to the sounds of the Glenville State College Bluegrass Band at the start of today's session. Following the performances, members presented a citation to the Chemical Valley Rollergirls for introducing a new activity to the Charleston area.

One House Resolution was adopted that will recognize the Blue Ridge Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and the House also adopted five House Concurrent Resolutions.

There were also six bills to advance to 3rd reading including House Bill 4322, which would add coyote and fox to the list of species in any color artificial light is permitted for hunting at night, and House Bill 4486, which relates to the disclosure of insurance coverage.

The House also read 11 bills on first reading. Among those was House Bill 4281, which would increase the rate of pay for the West Virginia State Police.

Several House Resolutions were adopted on the floor today including House Resolution 87, which names the four mile stretch of highway in Mineral County after war hero and Purple Heart recipient Sargent James "Aubrey" Stewart. House Resolution 86 names a bridge in Mineral County after Private Woodrow Wilson Barr, and House Resolution 13 celebrates the contributions of the Bluefield Coal Show to the West Virginia Coal Industry.

In addition, the House also passed six bills today including House Bill 4020, which recognizes students with outstanding statewide test scores, and House Bill 2657, which creates the West Virginia Religious Freedom Restoration Act.

In today’s floor session the Senate passed two bills and read seven for the first time. Senate Bill 501 was passed. This bill would require health insurance coverage of hearing aids for individuals under eighteen years of age. The bill would also set a date for coverage, set age limitations and modify some benefits for accident and sickness insurance.

Senate Bill 544 was also passed, it would extend the expiration date of exemptions for occupied vehicles with sleeper-berth compartments from May 1, 2012 to May 1, 2017, in the Diesel-Powered Motor Vehicle Idling Act which regulates the idling time of a diesel-powered motor vehicle, subject to certain exceptions.

Senate Bill 606was one of seven bills read for a first time, it would create a procedure for forfeiture of items related to child pornography arrests and other computer crimes and prosecutions.

The Senate opened session today with a performance from the Putnam Family of Looneyville, West Virginia. Proceeding the families performance, the Senated honored and recognized two resolutions. Senate Resolution 38 designated February 22 as Homeschool Day at the Legislature and Senate Resolution 39 recognized Community College Day.

The Senate also passed 12 bills today, 11 of which passes unanimously. Senate Bill 507, which passed 29-4, with one Senator absent, involves dedication of proceeds from county excise tax on transfer of real property. Senate Bill 568, which relates to college and career readiness, and Senate Bill 555, which would provide contractor exception to sales and use tax exemption for certain nonprofit youth organizations were both read on third reading today in the Senate.

Additionally, two bills, Senate Bill 544, which would extend expiration dates for certain diesel-powered motor vehicles idling restrictions, and Senate Bill 501, which would require health insurance coverage of certain hearing aids, were read on second reading. Senate Bill 113 was laid over on second reading.

The Senate is in recess until 4 p.m.

UPDATE:The Senate reconvened for this afternoon's session after a brief recess to take up committee reports.

The House was treated to a musical performance this morning by students of the West Virginia Schools for the Deaf & Blind in Romney. The students performed through sign, voice and musical instruments the songs,“Big Yellow Taxi” and “Sweet Home, West Virginia.” A citation also recognized the 250th anniversary of the founding of the town of Romney.

Three bills were passed by the House today, including House Bill 4126, which would authorize legislative rules for the Higher Education Policy Commission and the Council for Community and Technical College Education; House Bill 4139, which would authorize miscellaneous agencies and boards to promulgate legislative rules; and House Bill 4220, which would authorize the bureau of commerce to promulgate legislative rules.

During this morning’s floor session, the House completed legislative action on Senate Bill 30, which would provide additional means to notify the DMV of the purchase of a junked vehicle.

The House passed another five bills today, including House Bill 4053, which would require the Department of Health and Human Resources to develop a plan for the delivery of services to victims of human trafficking; House Bill 4070, which would change the basis for paying the county salary supplement equivalent pay rate for division of rehabilitation teachers; House Bill 4088, which would repeal the West Virginia telecommunications tax; House Bill 4398, which would declare certain claims against the state and its agencies to be moral obligations of the state; and House Bill 4493, which would establish special memorial days for certain military veterans.

The Senate passed 10 bills today on third reading, majority of which passed unanimously during today's floor session. A sampling of these bills include: Senate Bill 353, which relates generally to possesion of firearms; Senate Bill 507, which relates to voluntary and involuntary hospitilization of mentally ill persons; and Senate Bill 536, with deals with authorizing auditor's land department to accept credit, debit or charge card payments.

Additionally, the Senate adopted two resolutions today. Senate Resolution 36 designated February 21 as West Virginia University Day. The resolution was received by the University's President, Jim Clements. Also on hand today was the Orange Bowl trophy from West Virginia University's thrilling Orange Bowl victory in January over Clemson University. Senate Resolution 37 honored Concord University's Football Team.

A total of 12 bills were read on second reading, and one bill, Senate Bill 113, was laid over on second reading. A sampling of bills read on second reading include: Senate Bill 369, which would permit Deputy Sheriff Retirement System retirants to modify benefit options upon divorce; Senate Bill 468, which would allow Courthosue Facilities Improvement Authority to issue bonds; and Senate Bill 478, which would create apprentice hunting and trapping license.

The adoption of several Senate Resolutions took up a majority of time during today's session. One such resolution revolved around honoring veteran's visiting today's floor session. Senate Resolution 32 designates February 20 as Veterans Visibility Day. Senator Wells of the 8th District gave a speech commending the visiting veterans. Additionally, Senate Resolution 33, which honored Jefferson County Day, Senate Resolution 34, which honored Jefferson Leadership, and Senate Resolution 35, which honored Sheperdstown, were all adopted during the Senate session today.

Senate Bill 343, relating to construction zone signage, completed legislation today. Several bills were also read on third reading today. A sampling of these bills passed include: Senate Bill 204 relates to removal of vehicles from highway in emergency situations; Senate Bill 540, relates to subdivision land development plans or plats; and Senate Bill 554 relates to write-in voting when using electronic voting systems.

Ten bills, including Senate Bill 341, which would create the Restroom Access Act, were read on second reading. Senate Bill 406, which regulates commerical dog-breeding operations, was laid over on second reading.

A total of 22 bills were introduced today, including Senate Bill 671, which would impose a consumer sales tax on utility terrain vehicles.

The House recognized our state’s Veterans today. House Resolution 26 designated Feb. 20, 2012 as Veterans Visibility Day in the Legislature. Per capita, more citizens from West Virginia have served in our nation’s armed forces than from any other state.

The House passed five bills today including House Bill 4433, which would award high school diplomas to veterans of World War I, World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam Conflict. The diplomas would be provided regardless of whether the veterans were attending high school before serving in the military.

Additional bills passed include: House Bill 3174, relating to liquor and beer sampling events; House Bill 4119, which would provide a definition for an athletic director who is employed by a county board of education; House Bill 4142, which would authorize the Department of Administration to promulgate legislative rules; and House Bill 4245, which would permit certain auxiliary lighting on motorcycles.

Six bills were on second reading today and were advanced to third reading, among them is House Bill 4493, which would establish special memorial days for certain military veterans.

Several bills were passed through the Senate today during session. Senate Bill 410, which would require back up withhold for certain gambling prizes, and Senate Bill 373, which would involves providing State Police collect fees for advanced training, were among the eight bills passed in the Senate this afternoon. Senate Bill 73 was laid over on second reading.

Additionally, seven bills were read on second reading, and 28 bills were introduced. Senate Bill 518, which was read on second reading, would prohibit certain persons from holding elected or appointed office. Senate Bill 624, which was introduced today in the Senate, would permit transfer of certain alternative-fuel motor vehicles tax credit.

Eleven bills were passed during today’s floor session. Among the bills passed today is House Bill 4415, which would renovate and put to use the railroad station at Prince to accommodate Boy Scouts as the travel to visit the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve.

Other bills passed include: Senate Bill 343, which would provide volunteer and part-volunteer fire departments' grace period to meet eligibility for certain funds allocation; House Bill 4007, which relates to unemployment benefits for certain spouses of military personnel; House Bill 4015, which would create the Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs; House Bill 4018which would grant licensed real estate appraisers access to commercial or residential review documents; House Bill 4299, which would authorize a county board of education to use the services of a bus operator from another county in certain circumstances; House Bill 4330, which would provide that drivers licenses may contain information designating the licensee as a person who is an honorably discharged veteran; House Bill 4338, which would raise the maximum value amount of an abandoned motor vehicle; House Bill 4403, which would change the filing deadline for certified write-in candidates; and House Bill 4481, which relates to the Comprehensive Behavioral Health Commission.

During today's floor session, the House completed legislative action on Senate Bill 209 and Senate Bill 210. Senate Bill 209 will update terms in the Personal Income Tax Act and Senate Bill 210 will update terms in the Corporation Net Income Tax Act.

Additionally, House Bill 4087 and House Bill 4422 were passed by the House during this morning’s floor session. House Bill 4087 would continue the discontinuance of the severance and business privilege tax on the privilege of severing timber. House Bill 4422 would relate to crane operator certification.

Eleven bills were read for the second time and advanced to second reading. Among the bills on second reading today was House Bill 4415, which would renovate and put to use the railroad station at Prince to accommodate Boy Scouts as the travel to visit the Summit Bechtel Family Scout Reserve.

Today the Senate adopted two resolutions. Senate Resolution 30 Designates February 16 as West Virginia Generation Day. Senate Resolution 31 was adopted by the Senate to recognize George Washington Highschool Junior Ryan Switzer. Switzer was the near-unanimous pick for the Kennedy Award after a 40-touchdown season. He is the eighth junior to win the Kennedy Award since the award was first given in 1947.

Senate Bill 418, which clarifies that a sunrise review is required for the establishment, revision or expansion of a professional scope of practice, was the only bill to pass onto the House for further consideration today. In addition, a total of 18 bills were introduced. One such bill was Senate Bill 608, which would authorize search warrants to draw blood from DUI suspects.

A total of nine bills were read on second reading. Senate Bill 477 would limit the possession of wild and exotic animals. Senate Bill 471 would authorize the Supreme Court to establish mental hygiene commissioners' compensation.

Eight bills were also advanced to second reading after being read a first time.

In today's floor session the House completed legislation on House Bill 4291 and it is awaiting the Governors signature. This will authorize the Supreme Court of Appeals to determine which county law libraries are being used and should be continued as an obligation of the state.

The House passed six bills today. One bill that was passed is House Bill 3177, which would permit an owner who sells real property pursuant to a deed of trust to terminate a preexisting tenancy. This bill pertains to residential property not commercial. Another bill that was passed today is House Bill 4104, which would allow professional licensing boards to exempt certain licensees from continuing education requirements for those who have been practicing their profession for 20 years or more.

In addition to the passage of bills the House adopted four resolutions. House Resolution 14 was adopted today, making February 15, 2012 Nurses Unity Day. To celebrate Nurses Unity Day, over 900 nursing students and nurses are at the Capitol today.

A special resolution in the Senate declared today to be Nurses Unity Day, and it was stated that one in every 43 West Virginians is a nurse.

In addition, several bills passed unanimously in the Senate with only one receiving a vote of opposition. Senate Bill 408 would make it a criminal offense to deface public or private property, specifically in regards to graffiti, and Senate Bill 75 is meant to ensure that the money donated to animal rescue facilities is being used for the care of the animals and not for personal means.

Senate Bill 214 was the only bill on second reading today, and is in regards to sunset review requirements for establishments.

There were nine bills read on first reading and a total of 18 bills were introduced to the Senate floor.

The Senate was especially busy today with the passage of 11 bills that will now be sent to the House for consideration. Of those passed, Senate Bill 166 would make it a felony to disarm a correctional officer, and Senate Bill 208 would repeal the Telecommunications Tax Act.

There were also nine bills to move onto third reading including Senate Bill 408, which would make it a felony to deface private or public property, and Senate Bill 214, which is in regards to sunset review requirements for establishments.

In today's floor session the House adopted House Resolution 20, which commemorates the passing of Andrew "Andy" Clark Sr. who was a prominent community, business and civic leader of Princeton, West Virginia.

In addition to the resolution adoption, the House advanced six bills to 3rd reading. One of the bills is House Bill 4345, which would prohibit the unauthorized sale of railroad scrap metal.

Seventeen bills were introduced in the House. One is House Bill 4516, which would allow for greater cooperation concerning reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults among different entities. Another bill that was introduced is House Bill 4521, which would permit the restructuring of child support payments of an inmate who is released under certain circumstances.

In this afternoons floor session, the House passed three bills. The first was House Bill 4012, which would remove the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health from certain boards. House Bill 4101 was also passed. This bill would authorize teacher-in-residence programs for certain prospective teachers in lieu of student teaching. Lastly, House Bill 4122 was passed today. This bill relates to alternative programs for teacher education.

In addition to the passage of three bills, 14 were introduced. Among the bills introduced is House Bill 4005. This bill would increase certain penalties for driving under the influence, or "Andrea's Law".

The Senate welcomed a very special guest during recess today as Bobby Dale Earnhardt made an appearance on the Senate floor. The grandson of NASCAR legend, Dale Earnhardt, was at the Capitol to announce the start of his own NASCAR career and was joined by sponsor, Chavela Simmons.

A total of four bills were passed in the Senate today and were moved to the House for consideration. Of those passed was Senate Bill 418, which would amend the qualifications required to serve on the Parole Board, and Senate Bill 409, which would sentence minors attempting to use a fake ID to buy alcohol to community service instead of jail time.

Several bills were read on second reading including Senate Bill 166, which would make the disarming of a correctional officer a felony, and Senate Bill 4107, which would provide for online training of firefighters as well as provide proper safety equipment. In addition, 10 other bills were advanced to 3rd reading.

In today's floor session, the members of the House presented a citation to representatives from colleges throughout the state. Three bills were also read for a second time.

Among those bills was House Bill 4012, which would remove the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health from certain boards. House Bill 4101 was also read for a second time. This bill would authorize teacher-in-residence programs for certain prospective teachers in lieu of student teaching. Lastly, House Bill 4122 was read a second time. This bill relates to alternative programs for teacher education.

In addition to the bills on second reading, 17 bills were introduced. One is House Bill 4483, which relates to sexting of minors.

One of the first actions taken on the Senate floor today involved completeing Senate Bill 469, also known as the OPEB bill. The bill passed unanimously, with two Senators absent. The bill now awaits the Governor's signature. If signed, the bill will eliminate the last unfunded liability West Virginia faces.

Fourteen bills were also introduced into the Senate today. Two such bills include: Senate Bill 564, which would create an Aviation Fund and Fleet Management Office Fund, as well as Senate Bill 571, which involves licensing wine sales at professional baseball stadiums.

This afternoon Senate Bill 469 passed the House, regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB). After a lengthy debate and discussion the bill was passed, 83-17. This bill will now go back to the Senate for final approval.

In addition to the OPEB bill, House Resolution 19 was adopted. The resolution designates that the month of May be proclaimed as Sarcoidosis Awareness Month beginning in 2012.

The House also introduced 12 bills, including House Bill 4473. This bill would dedicate a portion of natural gas severance tax proceeds. House Bill 4478. was also introduced. The bill would maintain a minimum of eight hundred state troopers by July 1, 2016 and increase their salary.

The Senate floor session was brief today with 12 bills introduced and four bills advanced to second reading.

Of those four, Senate Bill 409 would allow a person convicted of an alcohol-related crime to perform community service instead of serving jail time. Senate Bill 484 is in regards to child welfare.

Bills introduced included Senate Bill 553, which would provide a tax deduction for citizens who choose to have their pets spayed or neutered, and Senate Bill 557, which would institute a health and wellness program for the state called "West Virginia Winners."

Heated debates fueled conversation today in the House. Senate Bill 469, regarding Other Post-Employment Benefits was the main topic of discussion. Delegates debated back and forth between several proposed amendments, finally advancing the bill to third reading with one amendment. In addition to the OPEB bill, Senate Bill 4217, which declares August 7 as a special memorial day to be known as Purple Heart Recognition Day, was also advanced to third reading.

In addition, two bills were passed through the House. House Bill 4356, which involves creating a misdemeanor offense for child neglect, and House Bill 4271, which involves reporting requireements for residential mortgage lenders and broker licensees, were passed through the House today.

Thirteen bills were introduced it the House today, including House Bill 4464, which would ensure that persons convicted of felony, treason and bribery in an election are not allowed to run for any elective office. House Bill 4454, which would adopt policies to help promote school attendace.

The Senate passed six bills during the morning floor session. Passed bills include: Senate Bill 54, which would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from obtaining a tattoo; Senate Bill 191, which would provide for the protection of nonfamily or nonhousehold members who do not otherwise qualify for protection under the domestic abuse statute; Senate Bill 253, which would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Senate Bill 414, which would expand the definition of "medical services applicant" under the Volunteer for Nonprofit Youth Organizations Act; Senate Bill 427, which would conform state administrative remedies for prisoners with Department of Justice standards; and Senate Bill 434, which would provide that a suggestion and suggestee execution shall contain the date of birth and last four digits of the social security number of the judgment debtor in order to identify the debtor in proceedings in aid of execution on judgments.

Nine bills were introduced today. Among the introduced bills is Senate Bill 537, which would create the WV Sustainable Wealth Fund.

Charleston resident Eric Blankenship sang for the Senate at the beginning of the session.

In celebration of the 35th anniversary of the West Virginia Women’s Commission, the Senate adopted Senate Resolution 24, recognizing Feb. 7, 2012 as Women’s Day in the West Virginia Legislature.

Senate Bill 222 was laid over and will maintain its position on third reading tomorrow. The bill would create a criminal offense for interfering with an emergency service call.

Bills read for the second time and advanced to third reading include: Senate Bill 54 , which would prohibit minors under the age of 16 from obtaining a tattoo; Senate Bill 191, which would provide for the protection of nonfamily or nonhousehold members who do not otherwise qualify for protection under the domestic abuse statute; Senate Bill 253 , which would authorize the Department of Environmental Protection to promulgate a legislative rule relating to Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants; Senate Bill 414 , which would expand the definition of "medical services applicant" under the Volunteer for Nonprofit Youth Organizations Act; Senate Bill 427 , which would conform state administrative remedies for prisoners with Department of Justice standards; and Senate Bill 434 , which would provide that a suggestion and suggestee execution shall contain the date of birth and last four digits of the social security number of the judgment debtor in order to identify the debtor in proceedings in aid of execution on judgments.

The House opened today with a singing performance by Pikeville High School students. Delegates also took a moment to award a citation honoring "Women's Day" at the capitol. Male Delegates gave a standing ovation to the female delegates and other women in attendence during todays floor session.

Also in the House, a total of 16 bills were introduced, including House Bill 4445, which would make it a crime to solicitate minors, and House Bill 4446, which relates to severance taxes collected for privilege of producing oil or natural gas.

The Senate concurred with House amendments and passed Senate Bill 165, which would create criminal offense of sexual contact on incarcerated persons by correctional employees, with or without consent.

This afternoon, the Senate voted to approve Senate Bill 211, which would create a secondary offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device without hands-free technology, and a primary offense of texting while operating a motor vehicle.

House Bill 4078, which would extend certain deadlines mandated actions regarding higher education personnel, was passed by the Senate with amendments and has been referred to the House for concurrence. An additional four bills were passed by the Senate today. Those bills include: Senate Bill 360, which would grant the purchaser of personal property at a foreclosure sale the right of disposal provided notice has been given to the original owner; Senate Bill 429, which would expand the definition of Class A vehicles; Senate Bill 436, which would facilitate and encourage collaboration between the public school system and public higher education to promote programs of study and seamless curricula; and Senate Bill 470, which would require a medical examination performed by a member’s selected physician showing the member is mentally or physically totally incapacitated for service and that the disability is likely to be permanent.

Senate Bill 222 was read for the second time today and advanced to third reading. Senate Bill 191 was laid over for one day and will maintain its position on second reading tomorrow.

Five bills were read for the first time today. Among them is Senate Bill 54, which would prohibit minors under the age of sixteen from obtaining a tattoo. In order for minors age 16 or older to obtain a tattoo, the bill would require that a parent or legal guardian be present at the tattoo studio and provide photo identification as well as written consent. Other bills on first reading included: Senate Bill 253, Senate Bill 414, Senate Bill 427, Senate Bill 434.

Fifteen bills were introduced into the House during today's session. In addition to the introduction of bills, the House also presented House Resolution 18, which will designate February 6 as "correction day" at the Capitol.

House Bill 4271, which involves reporting requirements for residential mortgage lenders and broker licensees, and House Bill 4356, which would create a misdemeanor offense for child neglect resulting in a substantial risk of bodily injury, were read for the first time.

Today in the House, Delegates honored the Lincoln County Highschool womens softball team. The Lady Panthers won the Class AAA softball State Tournament this past spring, which was the school's first title in any sport since opening in 2006.

In addition, 14 bills were introduced by the House, including House Bill 4410, which would allow the State Fire Marshal to be appointed by the Governor. House Bill 4412, which authorizes an additional circuit court judge for the twenty-third judicial circuit, was also introduced by the House today.

Four bills were also read on second reading. These four bills include: House Bill 4063, Relating to civil service commissions in political subdivisions; House Bill 4239, involving increasing the membership of the West Virginia Board of Osteopathy; , House Bill 4314,Relating to the appointment of magistrates ;and House Bill 4320, involving the settlement of violations of the Hazardous Waste Management Act by consent agreement.

U.S. Senator Joe Manchin paid a visit during the Senate floor session this morning.

In a brief session, six bills were introduced, six were read for the second time and two were read for the first time.

Among the bills introduced was Senate Bill 513, which would exempt DNR police officers' pension benefits from state income tax.

Senate Bill 211, which would create a secondary offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device without hands-free technology, and a primary offense of texting while operating a motor vehicle, was read for the second time and advanced to third reading. Additional bills on second reading today included: Senate Bill 429, Senate Bill 436, Senate Bill 470 and House Bill 4078.

A total of seventeen bills were introduced in the House Today. Two of the bils introduced were House Bill 4101, which would create an exemption from licensure as an adjuster or certain individuals who conduct data entry into an automated claims adjudication system, and House Bill 4397, which would make it a crime for preventing an individual from calling emergency service personnel.

In addition, Senate Bill 165, which would create criminal offenses for sexual contact on incarcerated persons by correctional employees, was passed through the House today. This was the only bill passed through the Hosue today.

The following meetings will be held this afternoon:Finance- 1:30 p.m.- 460MJudiciary- 1:00 p.m.- 410MGovernment Organization- 1:30 p.m- 215EEducation-2 p.m.- 434M

The Senate read four bills for the first time today, including Senate Bill 211, which would create the secondary offense of operating a motor vehicle while using a wireless communications device without hands-free technology, and a primary offense of texting while operating a motor vehicle. Senate Bill 429, Senate Bill 436 and Senate Bill 4078 were also on first reading.

At the start of today's session, the House honored Spencer resident, Drew Miller, who ran from Long Beach, California to Spencer, West Virginia to raise money and awareness for the Wounded Warrior Project.

In addition, five other bills were passed on the House floor today, including House Bill 4125, which would amend the date of annual notice to parents and guardians of students at school and alert them to the existence of the school’s crisis response plan. House Bill 4291, which determines the appropriate number of law libraries being used in the state, was also passed on the floor.

In addition, Senate Bill 165 was advanced to third reading today. Senate Bill 165 would make sexual contact between incarcerated people and correctional officers a criminal offense.

During today's floor session six bills passed in the Senate. Among those bills was Senate Bill 469, relating to other post employment-benefits. This bill would create a plan to fund the state portion of the health care benefits to for state retirees. This will potentially eliminate the remaining $5 billion unfunded liability. This bill includes a multi part provision. These provisions include a plan which will take $35 million a year from personal income tax collections. Under the proposal, $30 million a year would go into a fund to pay down the remaining $5 billion of long-term OPEB liability. Another $5 million a year would go into a trust fund to assist employees hired after July 1, 2010. The bill would also systematize that the PEIA Director annually report to the Legislature as well as administer programs in a way that would reduce system costs. The bill now heads to the House for its consideration.

In addition to the passage of the OPEB bill, 10 bills were introduced. Among them was Senate Bill 477, which would limit the possession of wild and exotic animals.